You’ve seen it before: highlighted or underlined data that, by clicking it, takes you to other data. This link through hyperspace is called (drum roll, please) a hyperlink or hypertext. But that’s not where it ends. Whenever you type “HTTP” into your browser’s address box you are actually being transferred to a network of hypertext. In fact, HTTP means “HyperText Transfer Protocol.”

So, as a writer, why should you care?

The answer is as simple as the question: because you are a writer.

Being a writer in today’s world means ignorance of technology is a no-no. Doesn’t mean you have to be a techno wiz or program underwriter, only means that there are certain basics you need to understand in order to reach the majority of your audience. And whether you’re setting up a website, blogsite, preparing an article, creating a newsletter, or just wanting to reference something in a doc, knowing how to create a hyperlink is extremely important.

In order to help you get going, I’ve listed some “how to create hyperlink”tips.

If the link you want to create is within the same document, the first thing you need to do is create a bookmark to that link. This bookmark tells the hyperlink where to go. To do that:

Select the text or object you want assigned to the bookmark, or click where you want to insert the bookmark.

On the Insert tab in the Links group, click on Bookmark.

Give your bookmark a name, then click Add. (NOTE: Although the name can contain numbers, it must begin with a letter. Also, no spaces. If you need to separate words, use an underscore.)

Next, go back and highlight the text or object you want to display as the hyperlink.

Right-click and then click Hyperlink on the shortcut menu.

Under Link to, click Place in This Document.

In the list, select the bookmark or heading or that you want to link to.

NOTE: To customize the ScreenTip that appears when you rest the pointer over the hyperlink, click ScreenTip, and then type the text that you want. If you don’t specify a tip, Word uses
“Current document” as the tip for links to headings. For links to bookmarks, Word uses the bookmark name.

To add a link to a specific location in a different document or webpage:

Select the text or object that you want to display as the hyperlink.

Right-click and then click Hyperlink on the shortcut menu.

Under Link to, click Existing File or Web Page.

Click the file that you want to link to, and then click Bookmark.

In the list, select the bookmark that you want to link to.

The shortcut key to inserting a hyperlink to highlighted text or data is CRTL+K.

Blogsite, Websites, Email Programs

Most blogsite and website programs such as WordPress, or email programs such as MailChimp, offer simple hyperlink icons similar to the one you see in Word, which you can click on to insert links.

Most programs allow you to preview your work before publication or distribution. Take advantage of this feature an always check your links to see if they work beforehand. If the link doesn’t work, it’s usually because the prefix “HTTP” has been left out or the URL is incorrect. If you run into additional problems, check the program’s Help section.

Hyperlinks are your bff

Hyperlinks are a writer’s best friend. Without hyperlinks the Internet would be useless. They tell people where to find you on the Internet. And once they find you, they find your work.

Staggering statistics show since the year 2000, Internet usage has grown 528.1%! As Christian writers, the LORD has given us an opportunity never before afforded in the history of mankind: the ability to literally reach the world with His gift of writing. And if for no other reason, that my friend, is why you should care.